Realtor/photographer captures the colors of Cuba

Anne W. Semmes

Published 8:13 am, Monday, August 12, 2013

A camera was turned on the photographer artist Barbara O Shea during a lunch break between visits with local contemporary artists during a trip to Cuba with the Greenwich Arts Council.
Photo: Contributed Photo

A camera was turned on the photographer artist Barbara O Shea...

Havana Morning: View from the Hotel Parque Central." Vintage United States cars are seen from the hotel that Greenwich photographer Barbara O Shea called "our home away from home" during a trip to Cuba with the Greenwich Arts Council.
Photo: Barbara O Shea, Contributed Photo

Greenwich resident and photographer Barbara O'Shea was one of 22 locals who visited Cuba this past spring as part of "Cuban Art & Culture Today: An Insider's Education Exchange," a weeklong trip organized by the Greenwich Arts Council. The group was promised entree to Cuba's "private art collections, studios and unique art and music performances," and they took full advantage of the opportunity

O'Shea, who has a day job as a Realtor at Sotheby's International Realty, documented the trip with her camera and found the Cuban people, "welcoming, educated, and creative." The images she captured can be seen as part of a photographic exhibit,"Cuba: First Take," on display at the Greenwich Arts Council's Bendheim Gallery Director's Hall. It features works by O'Shea and some of the other members of the trip. Greenwich Time took a Time Out with O'Shea recently to ask her about the trip and her passion for photography.

Q: What were some of the things that struck you about Cuba?

A: Driving to our destination in Havana I saw a landscape of contrasts, the vestiges of glorious architecture and design tracing the history of this fabled land. The faded beauty of the crowded streets didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the bustling Cuban people. Throughout the week we strolled the cobblestone streets of Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), and walked the popular tree lined Paseo del Prado promenade which is the heart of the city center. The iconic American cars of the 40s and 50s buzzed by our square in various states of gleaming color offering convertible rides for the nostalgic.

Q: What did you learn about the art of Cuba?

A: Our guides introduced us to many of the leading Cuban artists of the day. There is great power in their work as they individually express their views of life in Castro's Cuba. Our visit to the National Art School revealed the same tradition still strong. The National Fine Arts Museum's collection was an extraordinary surprise and delight. The Museum of the Revolution and the Plaza of the Revolution, two of the symbols of this complex island nation, are not to be missed.

Q: What about the Cuban people?

A: The Cuban people are welcoming, educated and creative, living as they do with limited island resources. Their ability to repurpose and reinvent is to be admired. Passing through the countryside and small towns gave us an additional glimpse into the daily life of the hardworking people. The historic town of Cienfuegos by the sea with its perfectly preserved theater/opera house from 1886 and other architectural gems reinforce the understanding of the rich and deep heritage of Cuba.

Q. Were there any other highlights?

A: Witnessing the Afro-Cuban dancing in the Trinidad town square at night was a highlight of our two days in this sleepy colonial village where transportation was donkey cart, horse-drawn carriage, bicycles and scooters but mostly on foot. Joyful and lively music filled the streets and cafes throughout our travels. Cigars and coffee along with Cuba Libres rounded out many fine meals. Then, ourr journey ended at the Buena Vista Social Club in the famed Hotel Nacional de Cuba where many Americans honeymooned back in the day

Q: Now, about your photography in general. How do you choose your subjects? What inspires you?

A: I am an observer of people. I guess I have turned to looking for what you might call the environmental portrait. Whether it's Cuba, Rye Playland, one of our parks or parades or a New York City street I aim to discover something special, a look, a gesture, an interaction that reveals something unique and human about that person or group. Often it's a patient waiting game almost like choreography as people move around in action. It's an exciting adventure for me to capture the composition that I envision or hope for. Other times I'll catch something out of the corner of my eye and it's an immediate moment. There are no second chances. One of my instructors always said "don't forget to turn around; you may be missing something better behind you".

Q: When did you start taking pictures?

A: As a young girl I asked for that iconic "Brownie camera." I started photographing what we all know, family pets, holiday gatherings, vacations. We would visit my father's family homestead in Ohio every summer. I loved the orchards, barns and country settings there. I still have a love for barns and what's to be found following country roads which I do now every summer in Maine.

Q: What made you pick up a camera for the first time?

A: I liked the idea of keeping a record of our family life as we grew. I was lucky to have my mother's family nearby. Those little fading square photos with my grandparents are precious to me. I've always lived near the shore. Weekend outings to the ocean were full of fun and photo possibilities. I guess I first began to see photographic compositions as I watched people casually moving about and playing at the beach and boardwalk.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I have a straightforward, documentary approach to my photography. I do as little cropping and correcting as possible. I want the viewer to see what I saw. It's important for me to be truthful to the people I have photographed. I print my own images digitally and most often prefer the timeless black and white look as this gets to the essence of the subject.

Q: What are the challenges for you in photography?

A: Today's photography challenges revolve around the digital revolution. So much of the recognized contemporary photography uses manipulation techniques and montages with other media. While these advances lead to exciting and dramatic images the lines between photography and collage and printmaking begin to overlap. I guess I am a traditionalist. Editing, image storage and preservation are of great concern for the digital photographer as devices continue to change.

A: I would love to be in the wings of a great performance on stage with the opportunity to capture the energy and excitement and drama in the footlights whether it be the ballet, opera or even those old men -- the Rolling Stones.

Barbara O'Shea's photographs will be on display in the exhibit, "Cuba: First Take" at the Greenwich Arts Council's Bendheim Gallery Director's Hall thorugh August 28. A second trip to Cuba is being offered by the Greenwich Arts Council from Nov. 6-13, 2013. For information call Tatiana Mori at the Council at 203-862-6754.